Filter Element With Movable Valve Head for Top-Load Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bowl-cartridge filters require frequent replacement of the filter element and valve head, leading to inefficiencies and potential mechanical failures due to the non-replaceable valve piece wearing out, which complicates maintenance and affects filtration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a tubular extension of pleated media, a first end cap with a tubular neck and valve head that moves between sealing and exposing positions, and a latch arrangement for easy replacement and mounting within a reusable service cover and filter base, allowing for top-load servicing and improved maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the valve head is made non-replaceable and integrated into the filter base, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear and potential mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into separable components: the filter media, end caps, and the valve head assembly. The valve head is integrated with the filter element rather than being a separate permanent component of the filter base, allowing it to be replaced together with the filter element. This segmentation enables the valve head to be renewed periodically without replacing the entire filter base, thus maintaining reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Ease of repair
If the valve head is integrated with the filter element, then the ease of repair is improved by allowing simultaneous replacement, but the device complexity increases due to the integrated design
Solution Approach 1:
The valve head is merged with the filter element to form an integrated assembly that can be replaced as a single unit. This combining of components simplifies the repair process by allowing technicians to replace both the filter media and valve head simultaneously in one operation, rather than performing separate replacement procedures. The integrated design ensures that the valve head is always in good condition whenever the filter element is replaced, improving ease of repair despite the increased structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and accessible filter element replacement, reducing maintenance complexity and preventing mechanical failures by allowing the valve head to be replaced along with the filter element, ensuring consistent filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
blocking the first end cap aperture by using a spring member in the filter base to urge the valve head against a rim of the tubular neck
Implementation Method 2
tubular extension of pleated filter media
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element includes filter media, first and second end caps, a latch arrangement projecting from the first end cap, a tubular neck extending from the first end cap and a valve head oriented within the first end cap aperture constructed and arranged to move between a position sealing the first end cap aperture and exposing the first end cap aperture. A filter assembly includes a filter element, as characterized herein, and including a filter base and a service cover. A method of servicing includes removing an old filter element, operably mounting a new filter element in a filter base including engaging a valve head against a spring member in the filter base, and operably mounting the service cover over the new filter element and filter base. A method of filtering includes directing liquid into a filter assembly, blocking a first end cap aperture by using a spring member in the filter base to urge the valve head against a rim of a tubular neck extending from the filter element, and directing liquid through the filter media to filter the liquid.